BBC TV "WDYTYA?" Series 5 Episode #2: Boris Johnson

[kizmiaz]

I thought it was a good, fun programme for the most part, stonings aside, and he came across as an interesting, intelligent and fun guy. Definitely a product of his father (No doubting that lineage!) and a good education, but there's absolutely nothing wrong in that! (I wish I'd had such an education)

As someone who is descended (or should that be ascended?) from Agricultural Labourers all the way back to the Year Dot, his story couldn't have been further from mine, but even so I found it highly enjoyable.

A good romp, and a much more relaxing hour than the previous episode.

(And as I don't live in London, I'm none too fussed about his politics or policies!)

Glen

[jillruss]

Yep, Rena! That's me - an inverted snob, and actually quite proud of the fact.  

Just so's I know - am I suppose to admire someone who acts like a bumbling idiot and talks like a latterday Bertie Wooster ? (I must remember to tug my forelock next time I make a comment!)

As LizzieW rightly says, some of us have to live in the real world.

Jill

[Aulus]

(I must remember to tug my forelock next time I make a comment!)

Hey, get tugging!      The 1st Baron Wimborne was my 6th cousin 4 times removed; the present 10th Earl of St. Germans is my 9th cousin once removed; and the present Earl of Shelbourne is my 10th cousin.

So far, I've not managed to get my dad to bow to me unfortunately (these noble cousins are all on my mum's side). 

[Rena]

Yep, Rena!
Just so's I know - am I suppose to admire someone who acts like a bumbling idiot and talks like a latterday Bertie Wooster ? (I must remember to tug my forelock next time I make a comment!)
Jill

LOL - you do what you want - as a wrinkly Yorkshire lass I make allowances for soft southerners and young uns - and as for tugging at my forelock - I can't do that it's hidden under my flat cap   

Cheers,
Rena

[hume]

I thought it was a really entertaining episode. It was a good balance between the tragedy and the more light-hearted mystery of Boris' ancestors.

One unanswered question, though: who bought the family silver? I bet Boris & co are kicking themselves now! It would be nice if they added some these facts to a follow-up page (or similar) on the BBC website.

hume24

[LizzieW]

who bought the family silver? I bet Boris & co are kicking themselves now!

Not as much as you or I would be, I don't think Boris or his family are short of a bob or two.  Although his dad was quick to point out a few weeks back that Boris only went to Eton because he won a scholarship to the school.

Lizzie

[meles]

Enjoyed the programme, but still convinced the man's a buffoon, with an unfortunate tendancy to speak before thinking.

meles

[decor]

People surely can't be surprised by anti-Boris sentiment, can they?

As for congratulating the man on his ability to muster a few words of French and German, I can not understand that. It's nothing to do with his intellectual capacity (I'm certain most people here could do the same after having had his education) but educational privelege.

But, yes, do let's not get too deep into politics here.

P.S. I can't quite fathom the problem with crying on TV here either. This is Britain 2008 and if Patsy Kensit feels moved to tears (as many other would) then let's celebrate real emotional reaction. Much preferable to an outdated Victorian-style stoicism, I say.

[Windsor87]

I don't mind crying, I just think that she was OTT.
As someone else said, it seemed rehearsed.